Purpose or Case Report: Spinal cord lipomas are rare benign tumors of adipose tissue that have a range of presentations and management based on size, location, and embryogenesis. Importantly, the intradural lipomatous tissue can act as a tethering lesion placing the cord at risk of vascular compromise, particularly during periods of growth. Since spinal lipomas cause progressive disease and symptoms, early recognition and treatment in the pediatric population is beneficial. Neurosurgical literature supports further classification of spinal lipomas as dorsal, transitional, terminal, and chaotic based on location and imaging features for risk stratification, surgical planning, and prognostication. Although categorization for the purpose of guiding surgical management is based on imaging features, there currently is lack of representation of this classification system for spinal cord lipomas in the radiology literature.

The aim of this exhibit is to educate pediatric radiologists about this classification system for spinal cord lipomas. Relevant anatomy and embryogenesis will be reviewed, and case-based examples will be used to illustrate relevant imaging features of each type of spinal lipoma. Findings impacting surgical planning and prognosis will be specifically highlighted.
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